Ketamine is an anesthetic that is abused for its hallucinogenic
properties. Its predominant legitimate use is as a veterinary
anesthetic; however, it has been approved for use with both animals
and humans. Abuse of the drug gained popularity when users discovered
that it produced effects similar to those associated with PCP. Because
of its anesthetic properties, ketamine also reportedly has been used
by sexual predators to incapacitate their intended victims.

In either its powder or liquid forms, ketamine is mixed with
beverages or added to smokable materials such as marijuana or tobacco.
As a powder the drug is snorted or pressed into tablets--often in
combination with other drugs such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA, also known as ecstasy). As a liquid, ketamine is injected; it
often is injected intramuscularly.

Teenagers and young adults represent the majority of ketamine
users. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, individuals aged
12 to 25 accounted for 74 percent of the ketamine emergency department
mentions in the United States in 2000.

Ketamine use among high school students is a particular concern.
Nearly 3 percent of high school seniors in the United States used the
drug at least once in the past year, according to the University of
Michigan's Monitoring the Future Survey.

Ketamine causes users to have distorted perceptions of sight and
sound and to feel disconnected and out of control. Use of the drug can
impair an individual's senses, judgment, and coordination for up to 24
hours after the drug is taken even though the drug's hallucinogenic
effects usually last for only 45 to 90 minutes.

Use of ketamine has been associated with serious problems--both
mental and physical. Ketamine can cause depression, delirium, amnesia,
impaired motor function, high blood pressure, and potentially fatal
respiratory problems.

In addition to the risks associated with ketamine itself,
individuals who use the drug may put themselves at risk of sexual
assault. Sexual predators reportedly have used ketamine to
incapacitate their intended victims--either by lacing unsuspecting
victims' drinks with the drug or by offering ketamine to victims who
consume the drug without understanding the effects it will produce.

Yes, it is illegal to abuse ketamine. Ketamine is a controlled
substance. Specifically, it is a Schedule III substance under the
Controlled Substances Act. Schedule III drugs, which include codeine
and anabolic steroids, have less potential for abuse than Schedule I
(heroin) or Schedule II (cocaine) drugs. However, abuse of Schedule
III substances may lead to physical or psychological dependence on the
drug.